The Mysterious Male Guitar Obsession

Justin got an electric guitar for Christmas from my brother Eric. The thing is bigger than he is, and yet it had to be done...that is, the guitar obsession had to be started - it's becoming a male tradition in my family. The boys in my family love guitars, and it seems that Justin is being added to that legacy, at the age of 2. My younger brother Geoff is a real musician. He's "hung out" with Phil Keggy, no big deal! He told my brother that he was good, brag brag! He had a band called Athanasia that just ended, sad, but it had a good run. When we visited for Christmas I heard guitar playing and asked why the radio was up so loud...it was Geoff playing his Martin - he's that good. He's teaching my older brother Eric how to play now. He's into the electric guitar and just got a really nice new one for Christmas. So, what to do with his older one? He decided to pass it onto Justin of course! I told him "Thanks a lot!" I'll be ordering head phones asap I can assure you. Ron got even more excited about the guitar than Justin. He got this gleam in his eye, although I doubt lessons will be happening any time soon. The guy is obsessed with music, loud music. Whenever the kids and I leave the house he cranks up the stereo as loud as possible and is in heaven. His CD collection is huge and he loved rock music from the time he was in high school. So, I guess Justin comes by it rightly.

Boy and guitar



"Mom, where is the amp for this thing anyway?" "Dunno honey, can't find it...."



My bro Geoff preforming at the Hard Rock Cafe in Sacramento with band Athanasia



My bro Eric with his new upgraded electric

Tap Dancin' on the Table

Today Justin and I went to our local music store to pick up a beginning flute book for Sarah. She has decided to try flute this year and is quite excited about it! She really enjoyed the violin last year, but wants to branch out and try a wood wind instrument this year.

So, after a little searching we found the book and went to the register to pay for it. A girl walked into the store and asked for some change in ones. It was obvious that she knew the guys working there. One of them said, "Ok, but only if you do a tap dance on the counter for us." "Ok then", she replied. So the guy quickly picked up the things that were lying on the counter, and she proceeded to hop on up there and bust out a good tap dance...on the counter...in her tennis shoes! It was truly awesome; one of those moments when I wish I had my camera on me, because I would have taken a picture of her....to add to the blog of course! As she was tapping away Justin, who was standing in front of the counter, had the most priceless look on his face - it was a combination of shock and terror all at once. One of the guys commented that he must think these people at the music store are crazy, and I had to agree. As I was walking out I said, "Ok, next time I come here I'll be expecting another tap dance on the counter!" The cashier said, "Not likely, for another thirty years or so." I was just happy I was in the right place at the right time to see a stranger tap dancing on a counter.....

until I got home and realized that the painted train whistle I bought for Justin is made in China. Now I need to go and get a lead test kit for it. But, over all it was a pretty great morning, very memorable indeed!

Sarah and the Violin

Sarah just started taking violin lessons at school and she loves it! She got to learn a few notes this week and when she played for us it sounded great - no squeaking. I'm learning about the world of rossen (sp?), strings and much more! Sarah is excited to learn how to play an instrument and we're glad she gets this opportunity. She will have a concert this fall, so stay tuned!